Algarve adventure for Royal Navy patrol ship

HMS Scimitar is pictured alongside in Portimao, Portugal, during a rare visit away from Gibraltar.

The patrol vessel made the near-200 nautical mile journey to the Algarve to exercise with the Portuguese Navy.

After calling in at both Portimao and Vilamoura, Scimitar met up with Centauro-class patrol boat NRP Pegaso off Portimao to conduct a number of training exercises, including officer of the watch manoeuvres, a PASSEX and the obligatory PHOTEX. 

Pegaso’s main role is to conduct fishery protection duties around the Portuguese coast, extending as far as the Madeira archipelago.

Scimitar’s Commanding Officer Lt Tom Loxton said: “This has been an incredible opportunity; not only to plan and execute an almost 400 nautical mile return passage in demanding sea conditions, but also to conduct valuable maritime training with a NATO partner.”

Scimitar and her sister ship Sabre are part of the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron.

The squadron’s Executive Officer CPO ‘Red’ Jones said: “The chance for the squadron’s sailors to explore somewhere new was certainly something that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.”